Open Water Swimming

Train, challenge yourself or try something new. Our open water swimming sessions are suitable for experienced adult swimmers aged 16+ and offer a safe, supported environment to improve fitness, endurance and confidence outdoors.

Open water swimming is available during designated session times only. Sessions are 1 hour:

  • Tuesdays: 5pm to 8pm
  • Thursdays: 5pm to 8pm
  • Sunday: 9am to 12noon

Please note that participants must be confident and competent swimmers. For safety reasons, reservoir access is not permitted outside of these official sessions.

Cost:

  • £8 for those with a monthly or annual Better membership and Manchester residents with a pay as you go membership 
  • £10.50 for non members

For competent swimmers aged 16+. Sessions are 1 hour long and must be pre-booked.

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When you visit

Our sessions are for confident swimmers. Before visiting, please review Swim England’s open water safety advice.

Be aware this is cold open water swimming, in deep water

We offer safe, well‑managed open water swimming with sessions fully supervised by our qualified safety team. Changing facilities, showers and lockers are available. Lockers require a padlock. You can bring your own or they are available to purchase from reception.

Please follow our rules at all times:

• Tow floats are mandatory
• Bright hats must be worn
• If in distress, lay on your back and put your arm in the air
• Backstroke is not permitted
• Swim anti-clockwise
• Cuts and wounds must be covered
• Please shower after swimming

Do I need to complete an induction

No, swimmers must be competent. Before swimming you are required to complete and have agreed to our online waiver and terms and conditions at the time of booking.  

Do I need to book in advance

Yes, it is essential for bookings to be made online or via the Better UK app. 

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How long can I swim for

We need to ensure a fair allocation of time for each swimmer so all sessions will be limited to one hour. The one hour slot will include the allowance for safe arrival, 50 minutes in the water and leaving the premises. As the water and air temperature drops swimmers should stay in for a shorter time - speak to staff on maximum swimming time during the winter.

How many sessions can I book at day

Each customer is allowed one swim booking per day. Multiple bookings can be made during the week, as long as they are not on the same day.

Do I need to wear a wetsuit or tow float?

Wetsuits are not compulsory when swimming at Debdale however we strongly recommend wearing a wetsuit once the water temperature drops below 14 degrees. Swimmers would be required to provide their own wetsuit.

Swimmers MUST use a tow float even with a wetsuit. Tow floats are available to hire or buy from reception if required.

 

Do the sessions still go ahead when it rains?

Yes, sessions still go ahead during the rain - you are going to get wet anyway! Sessions will only be cancelled in cases of dangerous environmental conditions (i.e. lightning storms, snow, serious fog) where swimmers are less visible to our safety team.

Is there anywhere to change and leave my belongings?

We have changing rooms and lockers available. Lockers are padlock only, You may bring your own or we have them available to purchase at reception.